When we first meet Mary Ann Singleton in Tales of the City, she's just moved to San Francisco from Ohio. She is naive and a bit of a ninny. There are eight TofC books, and although Mary Ann seems to be beloved by the author, truthfully, she's rather annoying. In book or two before Mary Ann in Autumn she's even worse--a self-centered, self-involved climber who abandons her friends and child. Still, Maupin gives her a chance at redemption.
When we meet her again she's in her late fifties and has been diagnosed with cancer. She has left her husband and returned to her beloved Michael "Mouse" Tolliver to revive that special bond between gay men and their straight female platonic life partners.
I devoured this book in about a day and a half. It was as quick and enjoyable a read as the first Tales, though perhaps less substantial. You'll be glad to know that Anna Madrigal is still alive and just as wonderful as ever.
Also notable: this was my first eBook, and I enjoyed reading it on my tablet device immensely, for its portability and self-contained light source.